The Death of Nenabosho’s Nephew, the Wolf (1)
Aatayaa, geget minwendam Nenabosho.
Ah, truly pleased was Nenabosho.
Wayaabaninig goziwag(i).
On the morrow [morning] they moved camp.
Bezhig igo odoozhiman gaye wiinawaa ingoji igo izhi-maajaawag.
And with one of his nephews he went off in another direction.
Oganoonigoon iniw(ii) odoozhiman: “Nenabosho, besho go giga-nibaamin.”
He was addressed by his nephew saying: “Nenabosho, not far away shall we stop for the night.”
Mii sa ena’anaad odoozhiman.
And so he followed the tracks of his nephew.
Gomaa go apii zhigwa owaabamaan anidewaninig*(iii) namadabinid.
Some distance on the way he saw (his nephew) seated in a spot free from snow.
“Noos, mii omaa ji-nibaaying,” Nenabosho odigoon.
“My father, here is a place for us to sleep,” Nenabosho was told.
Gaa-ishkwaa-wiisiniwaad, aweningwaami.*
After they had finished eating, he made ready to sleep.
Gii-zhi-gii-nibaad (gii-zhi-nibaad?).
He then had a nap.
Megwaa go nanaamadabid baamaa go wenjimawinid Nenaboshoowan.
And while (the wolf) was yet sitting up, all of a sudden into weeping burst Nenabosho.
Azhijiizhaabinaad.*
Then he waved to him with the hand.(2)
“Shii, indashkaa niin nimaanaabamigodog,”(iv) odinaan.
“Foh, (I) fancy that he probably is having a bad dream about me,” he said of him.
Zhigwa dayenibaanid,(v) goshkoziwan.
When (Nenabosho) had sleep enough, he then woke up.
Aaniish, danakamigizi a’aw ma’iingan.
Now, busy at work was the wolf.
“Aaniin enaabandaman(vi) gii-mawiyan?”
“What were you dreaming about, that you should weep?”
“Edawaa, nindoozhim gi-maanaabamin.
“Ah, my nephew, I had a bad dream about you.
Waabang a’aw mooz wii-bimi-nazhawad.(vii)
Tomorrow you will pursue a moose.
Ambe sa noo, gego ishkwaa pagidooken i’iw mitigoons ziibiinsing mii sa wa go zhigwa debaabamad a’aw mooz.
Please don’t you delay throwing a stick into the brook, even though you are then in sight of the moose.
Mii go iw wii-izhi-minjimendan.”
Now, do try to keep that in mind.”
Zhigwa sa waabanini.
Now the morrow was at hand.
Gigizheb maajaawan wii-biminizha’igenid, Nenabosho ani-maajaa, odoozhiman bima’anaad.
In the morning, when (the Wolf) departed to go in pursuit (of game), Nenabosho set out; in the trail of his nephew he followed.
Zhigwa sa ezhikawenid i’iw ozhikawenigobanen(viii) iniw moozoon.
Now, by the trail he made, (the Wolf) was stalking the moose.(3)
Aaniish aapiji ziigwanini.
By the way, it was well on towards spring.
Mii sa iw ena’anaad gaye mii iwe iw ezhi-nametoonid iniw odoozhiman; mitigoons ani-apagidoonid i’imaa bangii ziibiinswakamigaanig;
That was how he trailed up (his nephew), and that was how he could tell by the trail (what) his nephew was doing; (he saw) that (his nephew) had flung a small stick ahead on going down into the dry bed of a little brook;
Zhigwa sa debaabamaanigoban iiniw moozoon;
(He saw) where (the Wolf) had come in sight of the moose at the time;
Mii dash geget gichi-enigok maajaanigobanen iiniw odoozhiman;
and then really with great speed was his nephew going at the time;
Mii dash i’iw zhigwa debibinaanigobanen(ix) a’aw ma’iingan aapiji bangii ziibiinswakamigaanig.
And then now was the Wolf overtaking (the moose) at where there was a dry bed of a very small brook.
Mii go miinooj aazhawigwaashkwanigobanen, gaa-izhi-dishkiikaag i’iw ziibiins, mii dash imaa naanaawagaam gaa-izhi-bangishing.
But in an unguarded moment, when he tried to take it with a leap, apart spread the brook, and so far out yonder in the middle of the stream he fell.(4)
Pane go gaa-saswenig(x) iiniw otawagan.
And at once there was a ringing in his ears.
Mii sa go i’iw gaawiin gii-mooshkamosig.
And then he did not come up to the surface.
Aaniish mii sa gii-wanendang ji-apagidood iw mitigoons.
Well, this was because he had forgotten to throw the little stick (ahead of him).
Nenabosho zhigwa odebaabandaan ziibi bimitigweyaanig, pane odoozhiman bekobiikawenid.
Nenabosho then came into sight of a river that went flowing by, straight on down to the water he trailed his nephew.
“Edawaa! Mii maawiin iniw gii-nisaabaawed(xi) a’aw nindoozhim.”
“Alas! It is possible that that nephew of mine has drowned.”
Eni-izhi-aazhawa’od; miziwe niisaajiwan aano-izhaa.
Then on over to the other side he went; everywhere downstream he went, but in vain.
Mii sa gaawiin ingoji oname’aasiin.
And so nowhere saw he a sign of him.
Gichi-enigok ezhi-mawid Nenabosho; mii sa gabe-giizhik babaamawid, aano-nandonewaad iiniw odoozhiman.
With great affliction then wept Nenabosho; whereupon all day long he wandered weeping, as he sought in vain for his nephew.
Shkwaach midaasogon aano-nandone’iged, mii sa gaawiin omikawaasiin.
For full ten days he sought, but without result, for he did not find him.
Aapiji sa zhigwa gawanaandam (gwanaandam).
Completely now was he starving.
Ningoding igo niisaajiwan izhi-maajaad i’iw ziibi, ningoding sa babimaazhagaamed owaabamaan ogiishkimanisiin agoozinid i’imaa nibiikaang imaa inaabinid.
Now once while down the course of the river he was going, once while he was walking along the shore, he saw a kingfisher perched aloft (and) looking down into the water.
Wegoneniiwinen ogaagiimaa’aan;(xii) besho odoodisaan.
What should he do but slip stealthily up to it; nigh up to it he came.
Aanawii-izhi-nawadinaad, bangii igo obishkobinaan.(xiii)
In an attempt to grab it he just missed catching it.
Mii dash i’iw gaa-ipinaagobanen, mii iw gii-niishkaweyaandibed* a’aw ogiishkimansii.
And the place where the kingfisher was seized (handled) at the time was by the tuft on its head.
Ezhi-ganoonigod ogiishkimansiin: “Ojiideyaab Nenabosho niwii-wiindamowaaban wiin iiniw odoozhimaan.”
Then he was addressed by the kingfisher saying: “About the anal gut of his nephew was I going to tell Nenabosho.”
“Diwe, nishiimisaa! Wegonen waa-wiindamawiyan?”
O my little brother! What were you going to tell me?”
“Kaa, gidoozhim. Ninganawaabamaa imaa nibiikaang gii-inaabiyaan; mii aw genawaabamag.
“Why, about your nephew. I was watching for him yonder, where I was looking into the water; he was the one I was watching for.
Nenabosho, ambe sa noo, giga-wiindamoon gaa-izhiwebizid a’awe menjinawesiyan.(xiv)
Nenabosho, listen! I will declare to you what happened to him for whom you have a longing.
Mii giniin i’iw gaa-izhi-ayaad a’aw gidoozhim: ogimaa mishibizhii ogii-wodaapinaan iiniw gidoozhiman.
Now, this was what became of your nephew: the chief of the big lynxes(5) has seized your nephew.
Imaa dash zaagidawaag iw ziibi mii imaa ayaag i’iw minisinadaawangaa; mii dash imaa endazhi-gii-zhigishing(xv) a’aw ogimaa mishibizhi giishpin mizhakwadinig.
Now, yonder, where the river flows out into the open, is an island of sand; and it is there that the chief of the big lynxes whiles the day away when the sky is clear.
Aapiji minogiizhigadinig mii bijiinag agwaataad i’imaa minisinadaawangaang.
When the day is very pleasant, then from the water he proceeds out upon the sandy island.
Nenabosho, giishpin babizinidawisiwan,(xvi) gidaa-waabamaa a’aw gidoozhima’iwayaan, gii-pakonaa gosha a’aw gidoozhim.
Nenabosho, if you [do not] heed what I say, you can behold the skin of your nephew, for flayed was that nephew of yours.
Mii go i’iw ge-zhi-debwetawiyan gaa-izhiwebizid i’iwe gaa-onji-wani’ad gidoozhim.
Therefore shall you believe me concerning what befell your nephew when you lost him.
Baataniinowan genawenimigod.
By many is he guarded.
Giishpin idash wiin noondawiyan i’iw ge-ininaan, mii go iw waa-doodawad igo, ji-doodawadiban.(xvii)
Now, if you harken to what I say to you, then whatsoever you may wish to do to (the chief of the big lynxes), that you may do to him.
Ambe sa noo mitigwaab giga-ozhi’aa.
Therefore a bow do you make.
Gii-kiizhi’ad idash, miinawaa giga-ozhitoon i’iw bikwak i’iwe ge-yaabajitooyan.
And when you have finished it, you shall next make the arrow which you are to use.
Giiga-miinin i’iw ge-naaba’igeyan.”(xviii)
I will give you what you shall use for a point (on your arrow).”
Nenabosho omiinigoon bezhig iiniw oshkazhiini.
Nenabosho was then given one of the claws (of the kingfisher).
Ezhi-ganoonigod: “Nenabosho, mii awe ge-naaba’igeyan i’iw gi-bikwak.
Then he was addressed: “Nenabosho, that is what you shall use for a point on your arrow.
Memwech idash apashkweshkway mii aw ge-odajaabiiyan.
And of all things, it is from flag-reed(6) that you shall obtain your bowstring.
Apii dash, Nenabosho, wii-pimwad, gego wiin wiiyawing bimwaaken.
And when, Nenabosho, you are ready to shoot him, do not shoot him in the body.
Ji-naateshing(7)(xix) mii’idinong* ge-pimwad.
Where he casts his shadow is the place for you to shoot him.
Ayaangwaamizin wii-pizindawishin.
Do you be careful that you heed my words.
Gaye i’iw aanosaagan(xx) ji-ozhitooyan, aapiji go giiga-michaatoon i’iw aanosaagan.
Likewise a raft shall you build, and very large shall you make the raft.
Aa, giishpin eta manidoowiyan, mii eta gegoo ji-naabinanad.(xxi)
Oh, if you were only a manitou, then would you be able to get him under your power!
Manidoowi ogimaa mishibizhii.
A manitou being is the chief of the big lynxes.
Mii sa go i’iw minik ezhi-kikino’amoonaan.
Now, that is as much as I shall impart to you.
Ayaangwaamizin, gego aanwedawishiken(8).”(xxii)
Take pains, do not fail to follow my words.”
“Ooh, miigwech waandamawiyan.
Oh, (I) thank (you) for what you have told me.
Meshkod, ji-pishigendaman giiyaw giiga-izhi’in.”
In return, I will make you so that you will be proud of yourself.”
“Miigwech, Nenabosho, i’iwe ekidoyan.”
“(I) thank (you), Nenabosho, for what you say.”
Mii sa zhigwa Nenabosho maajitaad wawezhi’aad ogiishkimanisiin.
And so then Nenabosho set to work painting the Kingfisher.
Zhigwa sa gaagiizhi’aad, “mii iw izhi-waabandizon,(xxiii) ogiishkimanisii,” odinaan.
When he was done with him, “Now look at yourself Kingfisher,” he said to him.
Mii sa geget ezhi-waabandizod, geget bishigenimo a’aw giishkimanisii.
It was true that when he looked at himself, really proud was the Kingfisher.
“Mii sa iw ge-zhinaagoziyan ji-ani-akiiwang,”(xxiv) ikido Nenabosho.
“And this is the way you shall look till the end of the world,” said Nenabosho.
Mii sa Nenabosho ezhi-maajaad, niisaajiwan izhaad.
Thereupon Nenabosho started away, down the stream he went.
Besho go degoshing, geget owaabandaan zaaga’igan.
And when a short way he was come, sure enough, he beheld a lake.
Wegoneniiwinen odoozhitoon i’iw aanosaagan, aapiji go michaatoon.
What should he do but build a raft, and very large he made it.
Gaagii-zhitood, ezhi-boozid ezhi-izhaad imaa minisinadaawangaanig.
When he finished it, he then got aboard (and) went over yonder sandy island.
Wegoneniiwinen ezhi-gabaad imaa mitaawangaang.
What should he do but go ashore upon yonder sandy beach.
Aatayaa awiya bimikawewa, anooj awiya bimikawewa.
Lo, living beings left the signs of their footprints, all kinds of living creatures left the marks of their tracks.
Mii sa zhigwa neyaab ezhi-boozid, ingoji idash ogaadoon i’iw ojiimaan.
Thereupon then back on his raft he went, in a certain place he hid away his float.
Mii sa zhigwa maajitaad omitigwaabiin ozhi’aad gaye i’iw obikwak; ozhitood gaye i’iw genaaba’ang, odooshkazhiiman naaba’igaaged.
Thereupon he set to work making his bow and arrow; he also fixed what he was to have for a point, his claw he used for the point.
Waawiinge(xxv) gaa-giizhitood, zhigwa dibikadini.
When all his work was entirely done, by that time it was night.
Mii sa zhigwa ezhi-waabaninig, Nenabosho ezhi-giigidod: “Ambe sa noo, dawi-anwaatin gabe-giizhik, gaye go ji-wii-mizhakwak.”
Thereupon, when it was day, Nenabosho spoke, saying: “Now, let there be a calm throughout the whole day, and may there be a very clear sky!”
Nenabosho omaa nawaj igo noopiming ezhi-zaadiisagokaazod.
Nenabosho then, in this place but towards the woods, became a poplar.
Zhigwa bii-ishpagoojinoon iiniw giizisoon, owaabandaan gagiizhibaajiwaninig(xxvi) i’iw zaaga’igan.
When high the sun was risen, he beheld moving circles upon the water of the lake.
Nitam omakakiin mooshkamowan, gaye go anooj igo i’iw isa manidoo, gakina awiya mii go i’iw bemizh[i]gwaadaanid i’imaa minisinadaawangaanig.
First a toad came up to the surface, and then the various manitous, every living being then came forth from water out upon that island of sand.
Mii go iw bimi-nibaanid aanind.
And as fast as some of them came, they went to sleep.
“Ambe sa noo, ayaangwaamizin,” ikido aw makwa.
“Please be careful,” said the bear.
“Indigo gosha Nenabosho gii-ganawaabamigonaan, nindinendam.
“It surely seems that by Nenabosho are we being observed, thus do I feel.
Amanj isa naa ge-ikidogwen a’aw gidoo-gimaaminaan.”
(I am) curious to know what our chief may have to say.”
Inaabid Nenabosho, pane go gaawaasaadigosenig.(xxvii)
While Nenabosho was looking, everywhere was there splashing of water.
Ningoding sa baamaa go naawagaam wenji-mooshkamonid; goniginiin, mishibizhiin!
By and by all of a sudden far out upon the water something came up to the surface; behold, (it was the) Big Lynx!
Geget mindidoowan, bi-naabiwan madwe-giigidoowan: “Nenabosho awedi gaa-niibawid, azaadiisagong gii-izhinaago’o.”(xxviii)
Truly big was he, hitherward he looked as he came, he could be heard saying: “Nenabosho is the one standing yonder, the form of a poplar has he taken.”
Aanind igo madwe-giigidoowa: “Gayad(xxix) ayaaban a’aw azaadiisag.”
And some could be heard saying: “Long since has that poplar been there.”
“Gaawiin, mii go a’aw gaa-izhinaagwa’od.”
“No, it is really he who has taken on its form.”
Aanind idash ikidowag: “Baakajige* nanda menidoowid daa-izhinaago’o nashke gosha, mishi-ginebig, awi-didibinaakwaabiigaw.”
And some said: “He is not so powerful a manitou as to take on such a form, why Big Serpent, do you go coil round about him.”
Geget bi-maajaawan ginebigoon.
Truly hitherward came the Big Serpent.
Zhigwa sa odoodisigoon, mii sa ezhi-kashkaabigidaanid(xxx) enigok.
When (Nenabosho) was reached, then did (the Serpent) squeeze him tight.
Aaniish gibanaamo Nenabosho.
Of course Nenabosho held his breath.
Gwej igo waa-pagidanaamod, ezhi-aanawenjigenid.
Just as he was about to breathe, then the Serpent thought it a fruitless task.
Ani-giigidoowan: “Mitig a’aw! Aaniin ge-gii-izhinaagozid Nenabosho ge-yaawid?”
Away he went, saying: “A tree that! How is it possible for Nenabosho to become such a thing?”
Mii sa gaawiin debwe’andazii(xxxi) a’aw ogimaa.
But the chief did not believe (what the Serpent said).
“Daga, giin makwa awi-baazagobish. Mii gosha aw Nenabosho.”
“I say you, O Bear! Go claw him. It surely is Nenabosho.”
Zhigwa bi-ayaawan iiniw gichi-makwan.
Then hither came the Great Bear.
Zhigwa sa odoodisigoon, ezhi-baazagobinigod.
When Nenabosho was reached, he was clawed by it.
Wiiba go obooni’igoon,(xxxii) eni-zhi-maajaanid.
And in a little while he was let alone, then away started (the Bear).
“Aaniin ge-giizhinaagwak Nenabosho ge-yaawid? - Mii iw izhi-agwaadan.”
“How is it possible for Nenabosho to become so? - Therefore come you out of the water.”
Geget bimi-agwaadaawan.
Truly on out of the water it came.
Aapiji naawaya’ii gawishimoowan.
In their very midst it lay down to sleep.
Nenabosho ezhi-kanawaabamaad, geyaabi go wenji-mayaawikweninid.
As Nenabosho was watching it, every once in a while it would lift up its head to look around.
“Wiikaa ge sa aapiji dawi-boozaangwaami, gakina go gaye i’iw odooshkinawema dawi-boozaangwaamiwa.”
“Would that it might fall into deep sleep, and that all its youths might sleep soundly too!”(9)
Geget gakina nibaawa.
Sure enough, all went to sleep.
Zhigwa sa Nenabosho neyaab anishinaabewi, ezhi-izhaad odaanosaaganing.
In a while Nenabosho became a human being again; then he went over to his raft.
Niminaawekii’o(10) ezhi-oodoodidang i’imaa endazhi-nibaanid.
He poled it along as he went over to where they were asleep.
Ezhi-gabaad, anaasawaya’ii ani-dadakokii i’iw manidoo.
When he went ashore, in among the manitous he stepped as he went along.
Zhigwa sa odoodisaan iniw ogimaan.
Presently he came to where the chief was.
Aapiji waa-zhebiinid* obimwaan.
Squarely in the side he shot him.
Gaawiin ganage goshkobagizosiiwan.
No surprise whatever did (the manitou) display.
Babaapiniziwaagan!
Too bad (for him)!
Geyaabi bezhig odayaan i’iw bikwak ezhi-mamood.
He had yet one other arrow which he took.
Mii dash i’imaa bijiinag ajinaateshininid, ezhi-bimwaad.
And so there, where (the manitou) then was casting a shadow was where he shot him.
Etawaa, goshkobagizowan.
Behold, then was (the manitou) startled with surprise.
Aatawaa gichi-baawitigoowanini,(xxxiii) agaawaa go odooditaan iw odaanosaagan.
Oh! But there was a mighty rushing of water, and barely did he reach his raft.
Mii sa go iw zhigwa ani-nikibiinig(xxxiv) i’iw zaaga’igan gaye iw wajiwan.
Thereupon then under water went lake and mountain, one after the other.
Edawaa, zegizi Nenabosho.
Oh, afraid was Nenabosho!
Zhigwa imaa bibooniiwan iniw ogiishkimanisiin ezhi-ganoonigod: “Nenabosho, mii sa iw inigaa’ad a’aw bemaadiziban o’omaa akiing.”
Then yonder where he was, alighted the Kingfisher by whom he was addressed: “Nenabosho, therefore now have you done injury to them that have been living upon this earth.”
Pane go gaawanaadagaanid, anooj awiya.
Oh, everywhere were they swimming about, beings of every sort!
Gwej igo nekibiinid i’iw mitigoo mii apii ezhi-noogi-mooshka’aninig.(xxxv)
And as the trees were about to disappear under the flood, then was when the water ceased rising.
Goniginiin, neyaab ani-iskateni.
Lo, the water receded, leaving (the earth) as dry as before.
“Eh, eh, eh” odigoon ogiishkimanisiin, “Nenabosho gaawiin gi-nisaasii ogimaa mishi-bizhii!”
“Well, now” he was told by the Kingfisher, “Nenabosho, you did not kill the chief of the big lynxes!”
Ah, truly pleased was Nenabosho.
Wayaabaninig goziwag(i).
On the morrow [morning] they moved camp.
Bezhig igo odoozhiman gaye wiinawaa ingoji igo izhi-maajaawag.
And with one of his nephews he went off in another direction.
Oganoonigoon iniw(ii) odoozhiman: “Nenabosho, besho go giga-nibaamin.”
He was addressed by his nephew saying: “Nenabosho, not far away shall we stop for the night.”
Mii sa ena’anaad odoozhiman.
And so he followed the tracks of his nephew.
Gomaa go apii zhigwa owaabamaan anidewaninig*(iii) namadabinid.
Some distance on the way he saw (his nephew) seated in a spot free from snow.
“Noos, mii omaa ji-nibaaying,” Nenabosho odigoon.
“My father, here is a place for us to sleep,” Nenabosho was told.
Gaa-ishkwaa-wiisiniwaad, aweningwaami.*
After they had finished eating, he made ready to sleep.
Gii-zhi-gii-nibaad (gii-zhi-nibaad?).
He then had a nap.
Megwaa go nanaamadabid baamaa go wenjimawinid Nenaboshoowan.
And while (the wolf) was yet sitting up, all of a sudden into weeping burst Nenabosho.
Azhijiizhaabinaad.*
Then he waved to him with the hand.(2)
“Shii, indashkaa niin nimaanaabamigodog,”(iv) odinaan.
“Foh, (I) fancy that he probably is having a bad dream about me,” he said of him.
Zhigwa dayenibaanid,(v) goshkoziwan.
When (Nenabosho) had sleep enough, he then woke up.
Aaniish, danakamigizi a’aw ma’iingan.
Now, busy at work was the wolf.
“Aaniin enaabandaman(vi) gii-mawiyan?”
“What were you dreaming about, that you should weep?”
“Edawaa, nindoozhim gi-maanaabamin.
“Ah, my nephew, I had a bad dream about you.
Waabang a’aw mooz wii-bimi-nazhawad.(vii)
Tomorrow you will pursue a moose.
Ambe sa noo, gego ishkwaa pagidooken i’iw mitigoons ziibiinsing mii sa wa go zhigwa debaabamad a’aw mooz.
Please don’t you delay throwing a stick into the brook, even though you are then in sight of the moose.
Mii go iw wii-izhi-minjimendan.”
Now, do try to keep that in mind.”
Zhigwa sa waabanini.
Now the morrow was at hand.
Gigizheb maajaawan wii-biminizha’igenid, Nenabosho ani-maajaa, odoozhiman bima’anaad.
In the morning, when (the Wolf) departed to go in pursuit (of game), Nenabosho set out; in the trail of his nephew he followed.
Zhigwa sa ezhikawenid i’iw ozhikawenigobanen(viii) iniw moozoon.
Now, by the trail he made, (the Wolf) was stalking the moose.(3)
Aaniish aapiji ziigwanini.
By the way, it was well on towards spring.
Mii sa iw ena’anaad gaye mii iwe iw ezhi-nametoonid iniw odoozhiman; mitigoons ani-apagidoonid i’imaa bangii ziibiinswakamigaanig;
That was how he trailed up (his nephew), and that was how he could tell by the trail (what) his nephew was doing; (he saw) that (his nephew) had flung a small stick ahead on going down into the dry bed of a little brook;
Zhigwa sa debaabamaanigoban iiniw moozoon;
(He saw) where (the Wolf) had come in sight of the moose at the time;
Mii dash geget gichi-enigok maajaanigobanen iiniw odoozhiman;
and then really with great speed was his nephew going at the time;
Mii dash i’iw zhigwa debibinaanigobanen(ix) a’aw ma’iingan aapiji bangii ziibiinswakamigaanig.
And then now was the Wolf overtaking (the moose) at where there was a dry bed of a very small brook.
Mii go miinooj aazhawigwaashkwanigobanen, gaa-izhi-dishkiikaag i’iw ziibiins, mii dash imaa naanaawagaam gaa-izhi-bangishing.
But in an unguarded moment, when he tried to take it with a leap, apart spread the brook, and so far out yonder in the middle of the stream he fell.(4)
Pane go gaa-saswenig(x) iiniw otawagan.
And at once there was a ringing in his ears.
Mii sa go i’iw gaawiin gii-mooshkamosig.
And then he did not come up to the surface.
Aaniish mii sa gii-wanendang ji-apagidood iw mitigoons.
Well, this was because he had forgotten to throw the little stick (ahead of him).
Nenabosho zhigwa odebaabandaan ziibi bimitigweyaanig, pane odoozhiman bekobiikawenid.
Nenabosho then came into sight of a river that went flowing by, straight on down to the water he trailed his nephew.
“Edawaa! Mii maawiin iniw gii-nisaabaawed(xi) a’aw nindoozhim.”
“Alas! It is possible that that nephew of mine has drowned.”
Eni-izhi-aazhawa’od; miziwe niisaajiwan aano-izhaa.
Then on over to the other side he went; everywhere downstream he went, but in vain.
Mii sa gaawiin ingoji oname’aasiin.
And so nowhere saw he a sign of him.
Gichi-enigok ezhi-mawid Nenabosho; mii sa gabe-giizhik babaamawid, aano-nandonewaad iiniw odoozhiman.
With great affliction then wept Nenabosho; whereupon all day long he wandered weeping, as he sought in vain for his nephew.
Shkwaach midaasogon aano-nandone’iged, mii sa gaawiin omikawaasiin.
For full ten days he sought, but without result, for he did not find him.
Aapiji sa zhigwa gawanaandam (gwanaandam).
Completely now was he starving.
Ningoding igo niisaajiwan izhi-maajaad i’iw ziibi, ningoding sa babimaazhagaamed owaabamaan ogiishkimanisiin agoozinid i’imaa nibiikaang imaa inaabinid.
Now once while down the course of the river he was going, once while he was walking along the shore, he saw a kingfisher perched aloft (and) looking down into the water.
Wegoneniiwinen ogaagiimaa’aan;(xii) besho odoodisaan.
What should he do but slip stealthily up to it; nigh up to it he came.
Aanawii-izhi-nawadinaad, bangii igo obishkobinaan.(xiii)
In an attempt to grab it he just missed catching it.
Mii dash i’iw gaa-ipinaagobanen, mii iw gii-niishkaweyaandibed* a’aw ogiishkimansii.
And the place where the kingfisher was seized (handled) at the time was by the tuft on its head.
Ezhi-ganoonigod ogiishkimansiin: “Ojiideyaab Nenabosho niwii-wiindamowaaban wiin iiniw odoozhimaan.”
Then he was addressed by the kingfisher saying: “About the anal gut of his nephew was I going to tell Nenabosho.”
“Diwe, nishiimisaa! Wegonen waa-wiindamawiyan?”
O my little brother! What were you going to tell me?”
“Kaa, gidoozhim. Ninganawaabamaa imaa nibiikaang gii-inaabiyaan; mii aw genawaabamag.
“Why, about your nephew. I was watching for him yonder, where I was looking into the water; he was the one I was watching for.
Nenabosho, ambe sa noo, giga-wiindamoon gaa-izhiwebizid a’awe menjinawesiyan.(xiv)
Nenabosho, listen! I will declare to you what happened to him for whom you have a longing.
Mii giniin i’iw gaa-izhi-ayaad a’aw gidoozhim: ogimaa mishibizhii ogii-wodaapinaan iiniw gidoozhiman.
Now, this was what became of your nephew: the chief of the big lynxes(5) has seized your nephew.
Imaa dash zaagidawaag iw ziibi mii imaa ayaag i’iw minisinadaawangaa; mii dash imaa endazhi-gii-zhigishing(xv) a’aw ogimaa mishibizhi giishpin mizhakwadinig.
Now, yonder, where the river flows out into the open, is an island of sand; and it is there that the chief of the big lynxes whiles the day away when the sky is clear.
Aapiji minogiizhigadinig mii bijiinag agwaataad i’imaa minisinadaawangaang.
When the day is very pleasant, then from the water he proceeds out upon the sandy island.
Nenabosho, giishpin babizinidawisiwan,(xvi) gidaa-waabamaa a’aw gidoozhima’iwayaan, gii-pakonaa gosha a’aw gidoozhim.
Nenabosho, if you [do not] heed what I say, you can behold the skin of your nephew, for flayed was that nephew of yours.
Mii go i’iw ge-zhi-debwetawiyan gaa-izhiwebizid i’iwe gaa-onji-wani’ad gidoozhim.
Therefore shall you believe me concerning what befell your nephew when you lost him.
Baataniinowan genawenimigod.
By many is he guarded.
Giishpin idash wiin noondawiyan i’iw ge-ininaan, mii go iw waa-doodawad igo, ji-doodawadiban.(xvii)
Now, if you harken to what I say to you, then whatsoever you may wish to do to (the chief of the big lynxes), that you may do to him.
Ambe sa noo mitigwaab giga-ozhi’aa.
Therefore a bow do you make.
Gii-kiizhi’ad idash, miinawaa giga-ozhitoon i’iw bikwak i’iwe ge-yaabajitooyan.
And when you have finished it, you shall next make the arrow which you are to use.
Giiga-miinin i’iw ge-naaba’igeyan.”(xviii)
I will give you what you shall use for a point (on your arrow).”
Nenabosho omiinigoon bezhig iiniw oshkazhiini.
Nenabosho was then given one of the claws (of the kingfisher).
Ezhi-ganoonigod: “Nenabosho, mii awe ge-naaba’igeyan i’iw gi-bikwak.
Then he was addressed: “Nenabosho, that is what you shall use for a point on your arrow.
Memwech idash apashkweshkway mii aw ge-odajaabiiyan.
And of all things, it is from flag-reed(6) that you shall obtain your bowstring.
Apii dash, Nenabosho, wii-pimwad, gego wiin wiiyawing bimwaaken.
And when, Nenabosho, you are ready to shoot him, do not shoot him in the body.
Ji-naateshing(7)(xix) mii’idinong* ge-pimwad.
Where he casts his shadow is the place for you to shoot him.
Ayaangwaamizin wii-pizindawishin.
Do you be careful that you heed my words.
Gaye i’iw aanosaagan(xx) ji-ozhitooyan, aapiji go giiga-michaatoon i’iw aanosaagan.
Likewise a raft shall you build, and very large shall you make the raft.
Aa, giishpin eta manidoowiyan, mii eta gegoo ji-naabinanad.(xxi)
Oh, if you were only a manitou, then would you be able to get him under your power!
Manidoowi ogimaa mishibizhii.
A manitou being is the chief of the big lynxes.
Mii sa go i’iw minik ezhi-kikino’amoonaan.
Now, that is as much as I shall impart to you.
Ayaangwaamizin, gego aanwedawishiken(8).”(xxii)
Take pains, do not fail to follow my words.”
“Ooh, miigwech waandamawiyan.
Oh, (I) thank (you) for what you have told me.
Meshkod, ji-pishigendaman giiyaw giiga-izhi’in.”
In return, I will make you so that you will be proud of yourself.”
“Miigwech, Nenabosho, i’iwe ekidoyan.”
“(I) thank (you), Nenabosho, for what you say.”
Mii sa zhigwa Nenabosho maajitaad wawezhi’aad ogiishkimanisiin.
And so then Nenabosho set to work painting the Kingfisher.
Zhigwa sa gaagiizhi’aad, “mii iw izhi-waabandizon,(xxiii) ogiishkimanisii,” odinaan.
When he was done with him, “Now look at yourself Kingfisher,” he said to him.
Mii sa geget ezhi-waabandizod, geget bishigenimo a’aw giishkimanisii.
It was true that when he looked at himself, really proud was the Kingfisher.
“Mii sa iw ge-zhinaagoziyan ji-ani-akiiwang,”(xxiv) ikido Nenabosho.
“And this is the way you shall look till the end of the world,” said Nenabosho.
Mii sa Nenabosho ezhi-maajaad, niisaajiwan izhaad.
Thereupon Nenabosho started away, down the stream he went.
Besho go degoshing, geget owaabandaan zaaga’igan.
And when a short way he was come, sure enough, he beheld a lake.
Wegoneniiwinen odoozhitoon i’iw aanosaagan, aapiji go michaatoon.
What should he do but build a raft, and very large he made it.
Gaagii-zhitood, ezhi-boozid ezhi-izhaad imaa minisinadaawangaanig.
When he finished it, he then got aboard (and) went over yonder sandy island.
Wegoneniiwinen ezhi-gabaad imaa mitaawangaang.
What should he do but go ashore upon yonder sandy beach.
Aatayaa awiya bimikawewa, anooj awiya bimikawewa.
Lo, living beings left the signs of their footprints, all kinds of living creatures left the marks of their tracks.
Mii sa zhigwa neyaab ezhi-boozid, ingoji idash ogaadoon i’iw ojiimaan.
Thereupon then back on his raft he went, in a certain place he hid away his float.
Mii sa zhigwa maajitaad omitigwaabiin ozhi’aad gaye i’iw obikwak; ozhitood gaye i’iw genaaba’ang, odooshkazhiiman naaba’igaaged.
Thereupon he set to work making his bow and arrow; he also fixed what he was to have for a point, his claw he used for the point.
Waawiinge(xxv) gaa-giizhitood, zhigwa dibikadini.
When all his work was entirely done, by that time it was night.
Mii sa zhigwa ezhi-waabaninig, Nenabosho ezhi-giigidod: “Ambe sa noo, dawi-anwaatin gabe-giizhik, gaye go ji-wii-mizhakwak.”
Thereupon, when it was day, Nenabosho spoke, saying: “Now, let there be a calm throughout the whole day, and may there be a very clear sky!”
Nenabosho omaa nawaj igo noopiming ezhi-zaadiisagokaazod.
Nenabosho then, in this place but towards the woods, became a poplar.
Zhigwa bii-ishpagoojinoon iiniw giizisoon, owaabandaan gagiizhibaajiwaninig(xxvi) i’iw zaaga’igan.
When high the sun was risen, he beheld moving circles upon the water of the lake.
Nitam omakakiin mooshkamowan, gaye go anooj igo i’iw isa manidoo, gakina awiya mii go i’iw bemizh[i]gwaadaanid i’imaa minisinadaawangaanig.
First a toad came up to the surface, and then the various manitous, every living being then came forth from water out upon that island of sand.
Mii go iw bimi-nibaanid aanind.
And as fast as some of them came, they went to sleep.
“Ambe sa noo, ayaangwaamizin,” ikido aw makwa.
“Please be careful,” said the bear.
“Indigo gosha Nenabosho gii-ganawaabamigonaan, nindinendam.
“It surely seems that by Nenabosho are we being observed, thus do I feel.
Amanj isa naa ge-ikidogwen a’aw gidoo-gimaaminaan.”
(I am) curious to know what our chief may have to say.”
Inaabid Nenabosho, pane go gaawaasaadigosenig.(xxvii)
While Nenabosho was looking, everywhere was there splashing of water.
Ningoding sa baamaa go naawagaam wenji-mooshkamonid; goniginiin, mishibizhiin!
By and by all of a sudden far out upon the water something came up to the surface; behold, (it was the) Big Lynx!
Geget mindidoowan, bi-naabiwan madwe-giigidoowan: “Nenabosho awedi gaa-niibawid, azaadiisagong gii-izhinaago’o.”(xxviii)
Truly big was he, hitherward he looked as he came, he could be heard saying: “Nenabosho is the one standing yonder, the form of a poplar has he taken.”
Aanind igo madwe-giigidoowa: “Gayad(xxix) ayaaban a’aw azaadiisag.”
And some could be heard saying: “Long since has that poplar been there.”
“Gaawiin, mii go a’aw gaa-izhinaagwa’od.”
“No, it is really he who has taken on its form.”
Aanind idash ikidowag: “Baakajige* nanda menidoowid daa-izhinaago’o nashke gosha, mishi-ginebig, awi-didibinaakwaabiigaw.”
And some said: “He is not so powerful a manitou as to take on such a form, why Big Serpent, do you go coil round about him.”
Geget bi-maajaawan ginebigoon.
Truly hitherward came the Big Serpent.
Zhigwa sa odoodisigoon, mii sa ezhi-kashkaabigidaanid(xxx) enigok.
When (Nenabosho) was reached, then did (the Serpent) squeeze him tight.
Aaniish gibanaamo Nenabosho.
Of course Nenabosho held his breath.
Gwej igo waa-pagidanaamod, ezhi-aanawenjigenid.
Just as he was about to breathe, then the Serpent thought it a fruitless task.
Ani-giigidoowan: “Mitig a’aw! Aaniin ge-gii-izhinaagozid Nenabosho ge-yaawid?”
Away he went, saying: “A tree that! How is it possible for Nenabosho to become such a thing?”
Mii sa gaawiin debwe’andazii(xxxi) a’aw ogimaa.
But the chief did not believe (what the Serpent said).
“Daga, giin makwa awi-baazagobish. Mii gosha aw Nenabosho.”
“I say you, O Bear! Go claw him. It surely is Nenabosho.”
Zhigwa bi-ayaawan iiniw gichi-makwan.
Then hither came the Great Bear.
Zhigwa sa odoodisigoon, ezhi-baazagobinigod.
When Nenabosho was reached, he was clawed by it.
Wiiba go obooni’igoon,(xxxii) eni-zhi-maajaanid.
And in a little while he was let alone, then away started (the Bear).
“Aaniin ge-giizhinaagwak Nenabosho ge-yaawid? - Mii iw izhi-agwaadan.”
“How is it possible for Nenabosho to become so? - Therefore come you out of the water.”
Geget bimi-agwaadaawan.
Truly on out of the water it came.
Aapiji naawaya’ii gawishimoowan.
In their very midst it lay down to sleep.
Nenabosho ezhi-kanawaabamaad, geyaabi go wenji-mayaawikweninid.
As Nenabosho was watching it, every once in a while it would lift up its head to look around.
“Wiikaa ge sa aapiji dawi-boozaangwaami, gakina go gaye i’iw odooshkinawema dawi-boozaangwaamiwa.”
“Would that it might fall into deep sleep, and that all its youths might sleep soundly too!”(9)
Geget gakina nibaawa.
Sure enough, all went to sleep.
Zhigwa sa Nenabosho neyaab anishinaabewi, ezhi-izhaad odaanosaaganing.
In a while Nenabosho became a human being again; then he went over to his raft.
Niminaawekii’o(10) ezhi-oodoodidang i’imaa endazhi-nibaanid.
He poled it along as he went over to where they were asleep.
Ezhi-gabaad, anaasawaya’ii ani-dadakokii i’iw manidoo.
When he went ashore, in among the manitous he stepped as he went along.
Zhigwa sa odoodisaan iniw ogimaan.
Presently he came to where the chief was.
Aapiji waa-zhebiinid* obimwaan.
Squarely in the side he shot him.
Gaawiin ganage goshkobagizosiiwan.
No surprise whatever did (the manitou) display.
Babaapiniziwaagan!
Too bad (for him)!
Geyaabi bezhig odayaan i’iw bikwak ezhi-mamood.
He had yet one other arrow which he took.
Mii dash i’imaa bijiinag ajinaateshininid, ezhi-bimwaad.
And so there, where (the manitou) then was casting a shadow was where he shot him.
Etawaa, goshkobagizowan.
Behold, then was (the manitou) startled with surprise.
Aatawaa gichi-baawitigoowanini,(xxxiii) agaawaa go odooditaan iw odaanosaagan.
Oh! But there was a mighty rushing of water, and barely did he reach his raft.
Mii sa go iw zhigwa ani-nikibiinig(xxxiv) i’iw zaaga’igan gaye iw wajiwan.
Thereupon then under water went lake and mountain, one after the other.
Edawaa, zegizi Nenabosho.
Oh, afraid was Nenabosho!
Zhigwa imaa bibooniiwan iniw ogiishkimanisiin ezhi-ganoonigod: “Nenabosho, mii sa iw inigaa’ad a’aw bemaadiziban o’omaa akiing.”
Then yonder where he was, alighted the Kingfisher by whom he was addressed: “Nenabosho, therefore now have you done injury to them that have been living upon this earth.”
Pane go gaawanaadagaanid, anooj awiya.
Oh, everywhere were they swimming about, beings of every sort!
Gwej igo nekibiinid i’iw mitigoo mii apii ezhi-noogi-mooshka’aninig.(xxxv)
And as the trees were about to disappear under the flood, then was when the water ceased rising.
Goniginiin, neyaab ani-iskateni.
Lo, the water receded, leaving (the earth) as dry as before.
“Eh, eh, eh” odigoon ogiishkimanisiin, “Nenabosho gaawiin gi-nisaasii ogimaa mishi-bizhii!”
“Well, now” he was told by the Kingfisher, “Nenabosho, you did not kill the chief of the big lynxes!”